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Went to the Oct 2nd Dept of Nat Resources "TAG" meeting (Trail Advisory Group). Had most all groups represented there (Horse riders, Hikers, Bikers, ORV'rs and Motor Bike trail riders).
Discussed the usual topics such as; Timber sales progress, Current and upcoming road closures/repairs, Trails progress, Grants status and discussed more on "Clean Up the Burn" project that happens this coming May 2015.
The biggest issue that kept coming to surface was trash from shooters, along with reports of irresponsible shooting. People shooting near and toward trails. Also discussed the need for more patrols and law enforcement.
The issue of not enough law enforcement leads me closer to the idea of the "Forest Watch Program" that DNR has in place. It's a program where volunteers cruise the woods and report illegal activity and trashed areas. I'm really thinking this would be a good thing to do, as representatives of NWFA. Forest Watch volunteers simply observe, casual talk with approachable people, hand out DNR info, have 2 way radios with Law Enforcement and record their observations. Two people per vehicle, magnetic door signs and DNR provides training. I also think that we, as NWFA volunteers, would have a hand out flyer of info on NWFA. Perhaps even a map that recommends safe shooting sites, as well as, areas that are not safe to shoot (too close to trails, ect...). Let's see where this idea leads us.
The "Clean Up the Burn" discussion is now scheduled for next year, May 2nd, 2015. This is THE BIG annual event where most of the Larch Mntn/Yacolt Burn area gets cleaned up by volunteers from all outdoor recreational groups, such as, Horse riders, Hikers, Bikers, ORV'rs, Motor Bike trail riders and Target shooters (NWFA is the only firearms group represented in outdoor recreational activities). Lots of stuff is needed to put this together, such as food donations, equipment, new sponsors & co-sponsors, promotional help, donations, a lot of advanced planning, organizing and so forth. I hope we can contribute a lot and have our name up on the ad boards for this event.
I would still like to encourage someone to join me in the work with WA DNR. There are several areas we could pay attention to and I think we could make a difference, as well as, set an example for other parts of our Northwest forest lands.
Bill
Discussed the usual topics such as; Timber sales progress, Current and upcoming road closures/repairs, Trails progress, Grants status and discussed more on "Clean Up the Burn" project that happens this coming May 2015.
The biggest issue that kept coming to surface was trash from shooters, along with reports of irresponsible shooting. People shooting near and toward trails. Also discussed the need for more patrols and law enforcement.
The issue of not enough law enforcement leads me closer to the idea of the "Forest Watch Program" that DNR has in place. It's a program where volunteers cruise the woods and report illegal activity and trashed areas. I'm really thinking this would be a good thing to do, as representatives of NWFA. Forest Watch volunteers simply observe, casual talk with approachable people, hand out DNR info, have 2 way radios with Law Enforcement and record their observations. Two people per vehicle, magnetic door signs and DNR provides training. I also think that we, as NWFA volunteers, would have a hand out flyer of info on NWFA. Perhaps even a map that recommends safe shooting sites, as well as, areas that are not safe to shoot (too close to trails, ect...). Let's see where this idea leads us.
The "Clean Up the Burn" discussion is now scheduled for next year, May 2nd, 2015. This is THE BIG annual event where most of the Larch Mntn/Yacolt Burn area gets cleaned up by volunteers from all outdoor recreational groups, such as, Horse riders, Hikers, Bikers, ORV'rs, Motor Bike trail riders and Target shooters (NWFA is the only firearms group represented in outdoor recreational activities). Lots of stuff is needed to put this together, such as food donations, equipment, new sponsors & co-sponsors, promotional help, donations, a lot of advanced planning, organizing and so forth. I hope we can contribute a lot and have our name up on the ad boards for this event.
I would still like to encourage someone to join me in the work with WA DNR. There are several areas we could pay attention to and I think we could make a difference, as well as, set an example for other parts of our Northwest forest lands.
Bill
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